Science Investigatory Project

Members: Section: IX - Service

 Alessandra Jil N. Laliag
 Xyrish V. Figueroa
 Colleen Marlowe R. Coderes
 Gabrielle Andi R. Sanchez
 James Pierre M. Camara

Title: Which Is A Better Bioplastic? Milk vs. Cassava

Chapter I
Introduction and its Background:
What are Milk bio and Cassava bio plastics? Cassava Plastics are plastics made from
Cassava that is an abundant crop in tropical nations like the Philippines, making it a suitable
material for the creation of biodegradable polymers. Milk bio plastics are plastics made of milk
that contains many molecules called casein. What are Milk bio plastics and Cassava bio plastics
for? These plastic inventions are meant to help improve our environment and lessen pollution
and loss of biodiversity.

Statement of the Problem:

Plastics are known to contribute to environmental degradation due to the time it takes for
decomposition, its toxic substances, and its negative impact on different ecosystems. As such,
the group aims to propose two alternatives in the production of biodegradable plastics: cassava
and milk. The group aims to compare these two alternatives in order to determine which plastic
alternative is better for the environment.

 Which bioplastic is cheaper and easier to make?

a. materials used
b. time it took to make the bioplastic
 Which lasts longer?
 Which is more durable?
a. number of items it can hold
b. weight it can withstand.
 Which is easier to dissolve or compost?
Formulation of Hypothesis:
Null: If we conduct experiments and compare both bioplastics, then we will know which is
stronger and effective.
Null: If we successfully find out which bioplastic is better and find ways to improve its formula,
then the use of plastic will be lessened and encourage the use of bioplastic.
Alternative: If we won’t conduct experiments and compare both bioplastics, then we won’t
know which is more effective.
Alternative: If we fail to find out which bioplastic is better and find ways to improve its
formula, then the development of bioplastics will slow down and the use of plastic will continue
to contribute pollution.

Significance of the Study:

To find out which bioplastic is better
- We must find which bioplastic is better in order to improve its formula
and encourage its use in the near future to avoid wastes.
To improve bioplastics
- Improving the formulas of bioplastics will make them suitable for
long-term use like regular plastic without producing waste. This way,
we can slowly replace regular plastic and promote bioplastics.
To reduce the use of plastic
- Plastic comes in all shapes and sizes such as bottles and bags. Both of
these contribute to pollution especially water pollution. Bioplastics
easily dissolve on water that can reduce waste and prevent harm for
aquatic animals.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study:

We will be needing 2 days for the milk bio plastic and 9 days for the cassava bio plastic.
MATERIALS NEEDED
Milk Bio Plastic:
• Mugs or other heat-resistant cups and large enough to hold more than 8 oz. of liquid
• Masking tape
• Pen or permanent marker
• Teaspoon measuring spoon
• White vinegar (at least 8 oz.)
• Milk (at least 12 cups); nonfat, 1%, 2%, and whole milk will all work
• Microwavable liquid measuring cup; should be large enough to hold 4 cups of milk
• like this one from Amazon.com
• Microwave
• Cooking or candy thermometer, such as this one from Amazon.com
• Spoons (4)
• Cotton cloth (12 squares, each 6 x 6 inches); cutting up old T -shirts works just fine
• Rubber bands (4)
• Clear plastic or glass drinking cups (4), each large enough to hold 8 oz. of liquid
• Kitchen scale, should be accurate to 1 gram, such as this one from Amazon.com
• Wax paper (in 12 identical pieces); each piece should be smaller than the weighing
• surface of the kitchen scale
• Paper towels
• Lab notebook
• Optional (for fun): molds, cookie cutters, food coloring, paint, glitter, permanent
• Markers

Cassava Bio Plastic:

• Cassava starch,
• glycerol or glycerine
• polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)
• water
• ESBO (epoxinated soybean oil)
• Tools and equipment will include hot plate, thermometer, roll-mill, and compressor.
Chapter III
Subject of the Study:
The aim of the present study in Cassava bio plastic is to analyse the effect of glycerol on
microbial degradation and the aim of the present study in Milk Bio Plastic is to see how each
casein molecule is a monomer which will hooked together with many more of itself in a
repeating pattern. The polymer this forms can be scooped up and molded, which is why it is a
plastic.

The Procedure:
 Make both bioplastics
 Conduct experiments and compare
 Formulate new formula for both bioplastics
 Conduct experiments and compare

Research Design:
This study is an Experimental Research. We will conduct different tests on both
bioplastics and find out which is better. The group will use the Solomon Four Group design.
Both bioplastics will be tested and improve their formulas after. We will then test the improved
bioplastics to see if the treatments worked. In conclusion, this study will have 2 control groups
and 2 experimental.